12-9-2024 CC Agenda Packet - updated 12-9-2024

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Minutes City Council Regular Meeting Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Page 2 of 4 Attorney Mattick added that the City Council is not required to fill the vacancy at this meeting,but may fill it. Veach described her opposition to Mayor Walsh making an appointment tonight. Veach explained her own experience being appointed and controversy she received from the process affected her whole time on the City Council. Veach outlined a number of important applicant criteria that the council should review before an appointment to the City Council, such as prior experience on a board or commission and schedule/availability. Walsh moved, Crosby seconded, to appoint Claire Berrett to the City Council seat vacated by Matt Johnson effective immediately to fill the remainder of the term through 2026. VOTE: Ayes 2, Nays 2 (Benson and Veach). The motion failed. Attorney Mattick said since the motion failed,the mayor was able to make an appointment pursuant to the terms outlined in Minn. Stat. 412.02. Walsh appointed Claire Berrett to the vacant City Council seat and conducted a swearing in ceremony.Berrett signed her oath and took seat at the Council dais at 6:28 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 13.Cable Franchise Agreement Public Hearing Ellie Burrows from Midco,along with Ryan Barr and Eric Householder,gave a presentation on their request for a franchise to serve the City of Orono with cable, telephone,and internet through a fiber network with a goal of being complete by 2027. Mayor Walsh opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. Janie Delaney,1315 Woodhill, asked about construction and the process, including whether the fiber would be underground. Kelly Grady, Long Lake, commented that Orono is being called a rural area for the purpose of the proposed franchise but wanted a suburban fire department. Mayor Walsh closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Mattick explained the public hearing was in regard to the request to have a franchise agreement. He said agreements are not exclusive and do not constitute an endorsement by the City. Veach moved, Crosby seconded, to direct staff to prepare a franchise agreement with Midco for consideration at the Dec. 9, 2024,meeting. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 14.2025 Budget and Levy (Truth in Taxation) Public Hearing Finance Director Jin presented the 2025 General Fund Budget and Levy and said the City is required to have a public hearing on the Budget and Levy. She said property tax questions could be directed to Hennepin County.Jin said Orono would have the lowest levy increase in Hennepin County at just over two percent and the County average is 10 percent. 6